Pearls of Production: Women in Agriculture is an innovative and exciting new program designed to provide leadership and hands-on training opportunities for women livestock producers in Missouri. The program is designed to reach women who are playing larger roles and making key decisions on the farm.

Programs like this are increasingly relevant in the modern livestock production market. According to a study recently released by USDA’s Economic Research Service, Characteristics of Women Farm Operators and Their Farms, found the number of women-operated farms (the individual most responsible for day-to-day management of the farm) nearly tripled from 1978 at 5 % to 14 % by 2007. Of the 3.3 million U.S. farms surveyed in 2007, 30.2% (more than 1 million) were primarily owned by women. The number of female operators jumped 19% from 2002 to 2007, far outpacing the 7% growth in the total number of farmers.

Agenda

Friday, November 7, 2014

12:30 pm

Registration at Holiday Inn Express and Suites

1:00 pm

Introduction and Welcome
Marcia Shannon, University of Missouri and program committee

Hot Topics in Animal Agriculture and YOUR HealthModerator: Allison Meyer, University of Missouri